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Microplastic presence in the fluid of otitis media with effusion
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Microplastics were detected in 27.5% of middle ear effusion samples from children with otitis media, including polymers such as polypropylene, polyurethane, and polyamide. This is the first study to document microplastic presence in middle ear fluid, adding to growing evidence that microplastics reach unexpected body compartments.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence and characterize microplastics in middle ear effusions from children with otitis media with effusion. METHODS: Middle ear effusions were collected from 24 patients (13 males, 11 females; mean age 5.4 years) with bilateral OME (≥3 months duration) or unilateral OME (≥9 months duration) undergoing myringotomy. Effusions were aspirated, washed with filtered distilled water, treated with 10 % KOH, and incubated. Samples were then filtered through a 0.7 μm glass fiber filter, washed with acetone, and stained with rose Bengal. Microplastic presence and characterization were assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman microscopy. RESULTS: Microplastics were detected in 11 of 40 MEE samples (27.5 %). Two patients exhibited bilateral microplastic presence. Identified microplastics included acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyurethane glycol, polymethyl siloxane, polypropylene, polyethylene diethyl chlorophosphite, and polyamide. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence for the presence of microplastics in MEEs of patients with OME, warranting further investigation into potential implications. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER: NCT06316635.
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